#Hashtags

For my first foray into discussing events and technology I want to talk about hashtags.

hash·tag

ˈhaSHtag/

noun

1. (on social media sites such as Twitter) a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic.

This list may grow and change but here are my DO's of using hashtags: 

DO make sure your hashtag is unique.  It is easy to take a moment to do a quick search to see if the hashtag you want to use is already linked with another event.  Not only does this ensure that when people search your hashtag that they are finding content only related to your event, but is prevents your event being linked with something unfavorable.  See my earlier post here to see some true hashtag disasters.   

DO engage with the people using them. It is important that you take the time to interact with your event attendees, making it clear that the hashtag will be recognized beyond an interaction count will help encourage their use.  A fantastic example of this is using the hashtag to create a live stream of tweets and pictures on event.  Another great idea was utilized by 3M where they had a balloon that filled with air with each tweet using their hashtag, the tweet that caused the balloon to pop won $500. See it here. 

DO make your hashtag make sense and easy to remember.  You don't want your attendees to have to go searching for your hashtag or they won't use it.  Creating a hashtag that has a direct and obvious link with your event will also help non-attendees in identifying what everyone is getting so excited about!

Let me know what some of your hastag DO's (or DON'Ts) are in the comments.